A control apparatus for an unmanned transport machine for delivering a package from a departure location to a destination includes a trouble information acquiring unit configured to acquire trouble information, a selection requesting unit configured to request a recipient of the package to select one option among a plurality of delivery method options when the trouble information indicates trouble occurring on a delivery route from the departure location to the destination, a candidate destination selecting unit configured to select candidate destinations corresponding to the delivery method options based on a current location of the unmanned transport machine and map information, and a destination determining unit configured to determine a new destination selected from the candidate destinations in accordance with the selected option.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A control apparatus for an unmanned transport machine for delivering a package, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to: control movement of the unmanned transport machine; acquire, through wireless communication, trouble information indicating an occurrence of an event that could prevent the movement of the unmanned transport machine on a delivery route from a departure location to an original destination; select, in response to the indicated occurrence the event, candidate destinations corresponding to delivery options based on a current location of the unmanned transport machine and map information, the current location being obtained through a GPS receiver of the unmanned transport machine, the map information being retrieved from the memory, the candidate destinations including a default destination for at least two of the delivery options, the delivery options including a first option of maintaining a delivery method via the unmanned transport machine, a second option of changing the original destination, and a third option of changing the delivery method to one in which a transport means is different from the unmanned transport machine, the candidate destinations including a waiting place of the unmanned transport machine for the first option, one or more pick-up places for the second option, and a delivery base for the third option, the waiting place for the unmanned transport machine and the delivery base each being the default destination; request, through wireless transmission initiated in response to the indicated occurrence of the event, a recipient of the package to select one option among the delivery options and to select, when the default destination is not provided for the selected one option, a first candidate destination among the candidate destinations for the selected one option; and determine an updated destination, to replace the original destination, the updated destination being either the default destination for the selected one option or the first candidate destination selected by the recipient of the package for the selected one option, wherein the processor controls the movement of the unmanned transport machine so as to bring the unmanned transport machine to the updated destination, and wherein with respect to the requesting the recipient of the package, the processor is configured to cause a terminal device of the recipient to display a delivery option selection screen that shows the trouble information, the delivery options, selecting buttons, and detail buttons, the delivery options including the first option, the second option, and the third option, the detail buttons being provided for the second option and the third option, the selecting buttons each allowing the recipient to select a corresponding one of the delivery options on the delivery option selection screen, and the detail buttons each allowing the recipient to display another option-specific screen on which to decide details of a corresponding one of the delivery options of either the second option or the third option.
The invention relates to a control system for unmanned transport machines, such as drones or autonomous vehicles, used for package delivery. The system addresses the problem of unexpected events that may disrupt the delivery route, such as weather conditions, obstacles, or mechanical failures. When such an event occurs, the system dynamically adjusts the delivery process by providing alternative delivery options to the recipient. The control apparatus includes a processor and memory that monitor the transport machine's movement and acquire trouble information via wireless communication. Upon detecting an event that could obstruct the delivery route, the system identifies candidate destinations based on the machine's current GPS location and map data stored in memory. These destinations correspond to different delivery options: maintaining the original delivery method, changing the destination, or switching to an alternative transport method (e.g., switching from drone to ground vehicle). The system presents these options to the recipient via a terminal device, displaying a selection screen with trouble details, available options, and buttons for selection and further details. The recipient can choose an option and, if applicable, select a specific destination from the candidates. The system then updates the delivery route to the chosen destination and guides the transport machine accordingly. Default destinations, such as a waiting area for the transport machine or a delivery base, are pre-assigned for certain options to simplify the selection process. This adaptive approach ensures package delivery despite unforeseen disruptions.
2. The control apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to send data regarding the delivery options to the terminal device of the recipient.
A control apparatus for managing delivery options in a logistics or e-commerce system addresses the problem of efficiently communicating available delivery choices to recipients. The apparatus includes a processor that processes delivery-related data, such as available delivery methods, time slots, and costs, and determines optimal or preferred delivery options based on predefined criteria. The processor is further configured to send this data to the terminal device of the recipient, such as a smartphone or computer, enabling the recipient to view and select from the available options. This ensures that recipients are informed of their choices in real-time, improving user experience and operational efficiency. The system may also integrate with other components, such as tracking systems or payment gateways, to provide a seamless delivery management process. The apparatus enhances transparency and flexibility in delivery logistics by dynamically presenting relevant options to recipients.
3. The control apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to select one or more of the candidate destinations based on being within a predetermined distance from the current location and to which the unmanned transport machine is not prevented from moving by the occurrence of the event indicated by the trouble information.
This invention relates to control systems for unmanned transport machines, addressing the challenge of selecting safe and accessible destinations when an event disrupts normal operation. The system identifies candidate destinations for the unmanned machine based on real-time trouble information, which may indicate obstacles, hazards, or restricted areas. The processor evaluates these candidates by determining which are within a predefined distance from the machine's current location and ensuring the machine can safely reach them despite the event. This ensures the machine can navigate to a viable destination without violating operational constraints imposed by the event. The system may also prioritize destinations based on additional factors such as proximity, accessibility, or operational efficiency. The invention improves the reliability and safety of unmanned transport systems by dynamically adapting to unexpected disruptions while maintaining operational continuity.
4. The control apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the trouble information includes at least one of the following: weather information, disaster information, restriction information, and reachable-distance information.
This invention relates to a control apparatus for managing vehicle operations based on real-time trouble information. The apparatus collects and processes data to enhance vehicle safety and efficiency by considering external factors that may affect travel. The trouble information includes weather conditions, disaster alerts, traffic restrictions, and reachable-distance data, which are used to adjust vehicle behavior dynamically. Weather information may include precipitation, temperature, or visibility data that could impact driving conditions. Disaster information covers natural or man-made events like earthquakes, floods, or accidents that may disrupt travel routes. Restriction information pertains to road closures, speed limits, or other regulatory constraints. Reachable-distance information estimates how far a vehicle can travel under current conditions, factoring in fuel, battery levels, or other operational limits. The apparatus integrates this data to optimize navigation, reduce risks, and improve overall vehicle performance. By analyzing these factors, the system ensures safer and more efficient travel, adapting to changing environments in real time.
5. A method of controlling an unmanned transport machine for delivering package, comprising: acquiring trouble information through wireless communication, the trouble information indicating an occurrence of an event that could prevent movement of the unmanned transport machine on a delivery route from a departure location to an original destination; selecting, in response to the indicated occurrence of the event, candidate destinations corresponding to delivery options based on a current location of the unmanned transport machine and map information, the current location being obtained through a GPS receiver of the unmanned transport machine, the map information being retrieved from a memory, the candidate destinations including a default destination for at least two of the delivery options, the delivery options including a first option of maintaining a delivery method via the unmanned transport machine, a second option of changing the original destination, and a third option of changing the delivery method to one in which a transport means is different from the unmanned transport machine, the candidate destinations including a waiting place of the unmanned transport machine for the first option, one or more pick-up places for the second option, and a delivery base for the third option, the waiting place for the unmanned transport machine and the delivery base each being the default destination; requesting, through wireless transmission initiated in response to the indicated occurrence of the event, a recipient of the package to select one option among the delivery options and to select, when the default destination is not provided for the selected one option, a first candidate destination among the candidate destinations for the selected one option; determining an updated destination to replace the original destination, the updated destination being either the default destination for the selected one option or the first candidate destination selected by the recipient of the package for the selected one option; and controlling movement of the unmanned transport machine so as to bring the unmanned transport machine to the updated destinations wherein the requesting the recipient of the package includes causing a terminal device of the recipient to display a delivery option selection screen that shows the trouble information, the delivery options, selecting buttons, and detail buttons, the delivery options including the first option, the second option, and the third option, the detail buttons being provided for the second option and the third option, the selecting buttons each allowing the recipient to select a corresponding one of the delivery options on the delivery option selection screen, and the detail buttons each allowing the recipient to display another option-specific screen on which to decide details of a corresponding one of the delivery options of either the second option or the third option.
This invention relates to a system for dynamically rerouting unmanned transport machines, such as drones or autonomous vehicles, when obstacles or disruptions occur during package delivery. The system addresses the problem of ensuring package delivery despite unexpected events that may block the original delivery route. When an event is detected that could prevent the unmanned transport machine from reaching its original destination, the system acquires trouble information via wireless communication. It then selects candidate destinations based on the machine's current GPS location and map data stored in memory. These destinations include options for maintaining the original delivery method, changing the destination, or switching to an alternative transport method. The system presents these options to the package recipient via a terminal device, displaying a selection screen with trouble details, available options, and buttons for choosing or viewing additional details. The recipient can select a preferred option and, if needed, choose a specific destination from the candidates. The system then updates the delivery route accordingly, guiding the unmanned transport machine to the new destination. This ensures flexibility and reliability in package delivery operations.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
October 5, 2018
February 8, 2022
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.